450 Million Have Quietly Quit China's Communist Party

The Tuidang movement to renounce CCP membership continues to grow, with over 2.15 million new declarations in early 2026 alone.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Most Chinese citizens never chose to join the Chinese Communist Party, as membership is often required as part of school and work. However, a growing movement called Tuidang, or 'quitting the Party,' allows people to formally renounce their CCP affiliations. Since 2004, over 450 million such declarations have been filed, with the numbers continuing to rise.

Why it matters

The Tuidang movement represents a significant challenge to the Chinese government's control, as millions of citizens publicly reject the Communist Party's authority. This reflects growing discontent with the Party's policies, corruption, and human rights abuses among the Chinese populace.

The details

The Tuidang movement operates through the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP, a U.S.-based nonprofit that provides a secure online portal for Chinese citizens to submit formal withdrawal declarations, even using pseudonyms if necessary. Those unable to access the portal can also post their statements publicly. The declarations cite a range of reasons for renouncing the Party, from personal experiences of government malfeasance to ideological disagreements.

  • In January and February 2026 alone, the total number of Tuidang declarations grew by more than 2.15 million.
  • The Tuidang movement began in late 2004.

The players

Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP

A U.S.-based nonprofit organization that operates the secure online portal for Chinese citizens to submit formal withdrawal declarations from the Chinese Communist Party.

The Epoch Times

A media outlet that published the 'Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party' in 2004, a series of essays that documented the Party's history of mass violence and deception, which has been cited by many Tuidang declarants as influential.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The essence of art is truth. The essence of the Communist Party is lies.”

— Xu Zhiheng, Art student

“Withdrawing is not retreat. It is the starting point of freedom. People are not born to serve the Party. I, Hu Qian, choose truth. I choose justice. I choose the future.”

— Hu Qian

What’s next

The Tuidang movement is expected to continue growing as more Chinese citizens become aware of the opportunity to formally renounce their CCP affiliations. International attention and support for the movement is also likely to increase, putting further pressure on the Chinese government.

The takeaway

The Tuidang movement represents a significant grassroots challenge to the Chinese Communist Party's authority, with millions of citizens publicly rejecting the Party's control. This reflects the deep-seated discontent and distrust many Chinese people feel towards the CCP, and the growing desire for truth, justice, and freedom.